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RITUAL 1^ 



OK THE 



Robert B^ras^odetA^ 
of America. 



Tam o'Shanter Cavern No.. 



PUBLISHED BY 

RUSSELL G. CHASE, 

CANTON, OHIO. 



Burns 



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KEEPER OF ARCHIVES 



GUARDIAN OF TREASURES 



MIGHTY CHIEF 



FATHER OF THE KIRK 



CHIEFTAIN OF THE SPORRAN 



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SERGEANT OF THE 
CUTTY SARK 



VICE CHIEF 



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CAPTAIN OF 
BAGPIPES 



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OPENING 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— (Knocking once with gavel *)— The officers of 

Tarn O'Shanter Cavern, No. , are commanded to assume their 

stations. Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, after ascertaining whether the 
outer approaches to the Cavern are secure against all foes, you will re- 
turn and keep watch at the inner door until otherwise ordered. 

(Sergeant retires to outer chamber, returns, stands attention 
and salutes the Chief.) 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK.— Mighty Chief, I find that 
the outer approaches are sufficiently guarded. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— Vice Chief, I desire that all within these 
cavern walls shall prove that they are faithful members of the 
Robert Burns Society of America. 

VICE CHIEF. — To assure ourselves, Mighty Chief, that no one is 
in our midst who is not a faithful member of either our cavern or 
some associate cavern of our National Society, I recommend that our 
Captain-of-Bagpipes determine whether all present are qualified to 
remain. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— You have spoken well. Captain-of-Bag- 
pipes proceed to such duty. 

(Captain-of-Bagpipes gets permanent and annual pass words 
from each, approaches altar at right angles and salutes.) 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— I am satisfied, Mighty Chief, that all 
present are entitled to remain, 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— (4 raps *•**. All rise.) Clansmen, we are again 
assembled within these cavernous walls for the sake of Auld Lang 
Syne, and to perpetuate the memory of him who has long since 
passed o'er the keystone of that "Brig o' Doon" from which no 
traveler e'er returns. We all revere the memory and writings of that 
great exponent of Common Humanity whose lot was not cast with 
that of Kings, Monarchs, Princes and High Potentates, but who 



sprang from the ranks of the meek and lowly, and whose fame has, 
nevertheless, spread to all parts of the earth. His name will occupy 
the tablets of love and memory as long as mankind exists. (3 raps 
•••,) To the memory of the Immortal Bobby Burns! (All hold up 
right hand loosely closed, as though in the act of toasting his mem- 
ory.) I now declare this Tarn O'Shanter Cavern, No , of 

the Robert Burns Society of America duly open for the transaction 
of such matters as may come before it. Together let us give the 
sign of the society. (All give sign.) (1 rap *.) Be seated Clansmen. 



ORDER OF BUSINESS 



1. Calling roll of officers. 

2. Minutes of preceding meeting. 

3. Hearing applications for membership. 

4. Balloting on applicants. 

5. Correspondence, Bills, Etc. 

6. Committees' Reports. 

7. Unfinished business. 

8. New Business. 

9. Initiation. 

10. Reading passage from Burns' Works by Father-of-the-Kirk. 

11. Good of the Society. 

12. Reports of any members sick or needing aid, 

13. Report of Guardian-of-Treasures, 

14. Closing meeting, (see page 16) 



INITIATION— (First Part) 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, ascertain if any are 
outside our portals who, loving the name and memory of our Im- 
mortal Bobby Burns, desire admission to our Cavern. 

(Sergeant salutes Mighty Chief, goes to ante-room and returns.) 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK— I find outside our portals a 
stranger who craves admission. 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — Sergeant, you may proceed with our Guardian- 
of-Treasures to the outer walls to meet and interview this stranger^ 
Take good note of his manner of speech, his demeanor and bearing, 
and be on guard that you may not be deceived or inveigled into ad- 
mitting one w^ho may prove a traitor to our society. If he appears 
worthy, our Guardian-of-Treasures may demand from him the cus- 
tomary toll. You may then blindfold him and lead him by a cir- 
cuitous route into our presence. 

(Sergeant and Guardian-of-Treasures repair to ante-room, the 
Guardian-of-Treasures collects the necessary fee from candidate, after 
which he is blindfolded and asked if he admires Burns and his 



writings. On answering in the affirmative, the candidate is brought 
to the inner door, where three distinct raps are given.) 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— (Stationed near door on inside, in a 
loud voice) — Who seeks admission to our cavern? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK.— (In an audible voice)— A 
stranger who claims to love and revere the name of the Immortal 
Bobby Burns. 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— Our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark re- 
ports having in his charge a stranger, who, having learned something 
of the objects and aims of our Society, desires admission to our 
Cavern. 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — Ascertain and announce the stranger's name 
(Captain-of-Bagpipes gets name and announces:) 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— His name is , and 

under the guardianship of our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, he seeks 
permission to affiliate with our Scottish Society and to become a 
member of our cavern. 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — You have all heard the announcement of our 
Captain-of-Bagpipes. Are there any present who know of any ob- 
jection to this stranger becoming a member of our Cavern? (Pause.) 
There being no objection, Captain-of-Bagpipes, you will open wide 
the portals and permit him to be conducted to our presence. 

(Sergeant brings in candidate, and, after marching him around 
room in company with Captain-of-Bagpipes, halts him before the 
Vice Chief. The Guardian-of-Treasures returns to his desk.) 

VICE CHIEF.— What seeks this stranger? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK.— He craves permission to 
become a member of our cavern, and desires a knowledge of th e 
mysteries of our society. 

VICE CHIEF.— His aim is a praiseworthy one. (Addressing can - 
didate.) Though your eyes be shrouded in darkness, it has been 
your especial privilege to enter the sacred precincts of our Scottish 
cavern. Be, therefore, attentive of ear, obedient to all commands, 
and let not your tongue give utterance except when commanded or 
questioned. (Pause — then in solemn voice:) Do you hold in vene- 
ration and respect the name of Bobby Burns, so dear to our 
society? (Candidate answers "I do.") It is well, for the name of 
the Bard of Ayr is the very foundation stone of our society and the 
pivot on which revolves its objects and aims. Sergeant-of-the-Cut- 
tysark, you may now conduct the stranger to our Chieftain-of-the- 
Tartan for further tuition. 

(Candidate is again marched around room, this time the quar- 
tette singing some appropriate Scottish song, or, if no quartette, an 



air on the bagpipes by Captain-of-Bagpipes as he marches with can- 
didate. Halt in front of Chieftain-of-the-Tartan.) 



CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN— What desireth this stranger? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK.— Wishing to become one 
of us, and having expressed his love and devotion for the sacred and 
honored name of Bobby Burns, he awaits further instructions. 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN.— You have learned thus far 
that our Society is founded on the love we bear for that Immortal 
Scottish poet whose writings so strongly appeal to Common Human- 
ity, the Brotherhood of Man, and the frailties to which we are com- 
mon heir. "MAN'S INHUMANITY TO MAN MAKES COUNTLESS 
THOUSANDS MOURN." To be one of us, it must be your bounden 
duty to lend your influence, small though it may be, wherever pos- 
sible, towards making countless thousands happy, and, as the Im- 
mortal Scottish Bard prescribes, "TO COMFORT THOSE THAT 
MOURN." You must know that the adoption of "TAM O' SHAN- 
TER," the hero of Burns' world-famed story, as the title of our 
Cavern, is not to be construed as counseling you to emulate Tarn's 
example in his over-indulgence in the cup that temporarily cheers 
and his close acquaintance with "BOLD JOHN BARLEYCORN," but, 
ever remembering that "A MAN'S A MAN FOR A' THAT," to take 
warning by the lesson offered us, for — 

"Whosoe'r that tale of truth shall read. 
Each man and mother's son take heed. 
Whene'r to drink you are inclined. 
Or cutty-sarks run in your mind. 
Think well, for you may buy the joys too dear — 
Pause, and remember Tam o' Shanter's mare." 
As a token of appreciation of your having passed the scrutiny 
of our noble Vice Chief, and believing you worthy of still further 
progress, I confer upon you the decoration of the Tartan, the insignia 
of this station. (Puts Tartan badge on candidate.) Sergeant, you 
will now consign this stranger to our Chieftain-of the-Kilt, that he 
may hearken to further words of wisdom and advice. 

(Sergeant conducts candidate around room accompanied by bag- 
pipes or song by quartette, halting at station of Chieftain-of-the- 
Kilt.) 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT. — "Stranger, whither wandrest 
thou?" 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK,— Having thus far safely 
passed the stations of our noble Vice Chief and Chieftain-of-the- 
Tartan, he seeks such additional knowledge as may entitle him to 
be one of us. 



CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT.— My friend, assembled here are 
those whose courage and bravery, coupled with their love for the 
name of the Immortal Bobby Burns, have entitled them to an hon- 
ored seat in our Cavern, We are all of us — whether first seeing the 
light of day on Scotia's crags and glens or on the bogs of the Emer- 
ald Isle, whether first breathing the breath of life on Albion's fertile 
meadows or on fair Columbia's shores — staunch friends of good old 
bonnie Scotland, for she gave to us and to the world our beloved 
Bobby Burns. Here the Violet, the Rose and the Shamrock to- 
gether entwine the thistle in adoration of the name of Scotia's Bard, 
I counsel you to lay these sentiments to your heart. In order that" 
you may be received without fear or danger into the presence of our 
Chieftain-of-the-Sporran to hearken unto his words of wisdom and" 
advice, I present you with this emblem of the Scottish kilt, (Puts 
kilt badge on candidate.) Wear it as your further passport and as a 
remembrance of this station, Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark, lead now 
this stranger to the chair of our Chieftain-of-the-Sporran that he may 
learn still more from his wise counsel and be further prepared to 
attain his desires. 

(Candidate is marched around room as before, accompanied by 
either bagpipes or song by quartette, and halted at station of Chief- 
tain-of-the-Sporran." 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— Why stands this stranger 
before me? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK,— Having been decorated 
with the insignia of the Tartan and Kilt, he craves permission to 
join our Cavern. He would have such further words of advice as 
you may see fit to give him before being ushered into the presence 
of our Mighty Chief, 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— Traveler, I congratulate you 
in having thus far so conducted yourself as to reach in safety the 
respective stations of our noble Tartan and Kilt under the guidance 
of our trusty Sergeant, Before proceeding further, you must know 
that the members of our society are composed of staunch adherents 
of good old Caledonia, and naturally are fond of sociability and 
conviviality, when such are in proper season. They love the spirit 
of brotherhood which makes the world akin and cements together 
the friendship of our caverns, realizing as they do, that while each 
has his own shortcomings — 

"For a' that and a' that. 

It's coming yet for a' that — 

That man to man the warld o'er 

Shall brithers be for a' that." 
They do not band together as "thirsty neighbors who meet to drown 
their cares," nor is it their sole desire — 



"While at the foaming cup to sit and quaff 

Primed by the ale, at every jest to laugh." 
With the knowledge you have already gained, you will realize that 
one of the aims of our Society is to meet in commemoration of the 
memory and writings of him whom we love to refer to in affection- 
ate terms as plain "BOBBY BURNS." He had his faults like other 
writers who have given of their best for the uplifting of mankind, 
but he told them freely to the world that Humanity might profit. 
We, too, have our failings, and must "remember that we are dust 
defiled with sin," and that "to step aside is human." His dislike 
for hypocrisy and his sympathy for human failings were evidenced 
when he wrote — 

"My son, these maxims make a rule. 

And lump them all together, 

The rigid righteous is a fool. 

The rigid wise another. 

The cleanest wheat that e'er was fanned 

May have some grains of chaff in, 

So ne'er a fellow-creature slight 

For random fits o' daffin." 
Your wearing of the Tartan and Kilt insignia of our Cavern is con- 
vincing evidence of your worthiness to reach this station. May you 
also successfully enter the presence of our Mighty Chief for final 
examination and instruction, and to aid you in this undertaking, be 
further decoiated with this Sporran, the emblem of this station. 
(Places Sporran badge on candidate.) Sergeant, you may now usher 
this stranger into the presence of our Mighty Chief. Farewell! 

(Arriving at the Mighty Chief's station, after marching candidate 
again around room with bagpipe or quartette accompaniment, the 
Sergeant says:) 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK.— Mighty Chief, this stran- 
ger, duly bedecked with the coveted insignia of the Tartan, Kilt and 
Sporran of our Society, thus showing that he has safely passed the 
interrogations of our noble Vice Chief and Chieftains, comes now 
before you in the earnest hope that he may be admitted as a member 
of our Cavern. 

MIGHTY CHIEF, — You have succeeeded in reaching a critical 
period of your journey towards the attainment of your desires. You 
have already expressed your reverence for the name of him for whom 
our Society is named. Do you believe in the existence of One who 
over-rules our destinies? (Candidate answers.) Before proceeding 
further, you must solemnly obligate yourself to abide by our laws, 
regulations, rules and usages. Be assured that such obligation will 
not in the least conflict with your social or political rights or religious 
faith. With this understanding, are you willing to proceed? (Can- 
didate answers "I am." 4 raps *•♦♦, AH rise.) Clansmen, he con- 
sents to assume the obligation. Sergeant, conduct him to the altar. 

(Sergeant turns him about face and slowly leads him to the altar.) 



MIGHTY CHIEF.— Summon all to come to attention. 

VICE CHIEF.— Chieftains, Officers and Clansmen of Tarn o' 

Shanter Cavern, No. , I am commanded by our Mighty Chief 

to bring you to attention. Assume your positions around the altar 
that you may witness the impressive and solemn obligation that this 
stranger must take before being one of us, 

(All form around altar in shape of thistle, the officers standing 
at points nearest their stations.) 

VICE CHIEF.— All are in position Mighty Chief. 
(Mighty Chief decends from his station and approaches altar, 
when the respective Chieftains speak as follows:) 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN.— Balance well the words you 
are about to speak! 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT.— And ever sacredly remember the 
obligation you are about to take. 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— "Engrave these counsels on 
thy soul," 

MIGHTY CHIEF,— (To candidate.)— You will place your left 
hand over your heart, and your right hand on the book of Burns' 
writings before you, (Candidate does so,) Say "I," mentioning 
your name, and repeat after me: 

(Candidate repeats after Mighty Chief, the following:) 

I, , do most sacredly and solemnly promise — 

that I will comply with all the regulations and laws — of the Robert 
Burns Society of America — that I will obey the laws — and respect, 
honor and protect — the flag of the United States of America, — That I 
will not knowingly defraud, cheat or wrong — this Society or any 
member thereof — but will warn him against any impending danger — 
that I may become aware of; — that I will lend him or his family in 
distress a helping hand — when in my power so to do — without ma- 
terial injury to myself or others. — That loving and honoring the 
name of Bobby Burns — I will uphold and spread as far as possible — 
the moral lessons taught by his writings— and the principles of this 
Society, — That I will not knowingly recommend for membership — 
any one of immoral or undesirable character — neither will I oppose 
the admission of any one — solely because of personal feelings, — That 
I will not, unless by special dispensation — or lawful act — reveal, dis- 
close or divulge — the passwords, signs or secret work of this society. 
Should I violate this, my solemn pledge— I consent to be expelled— 
in which event, may I be denounced — as one unfit and unworthy — to 
associate with any true and honest man — whom Burns would have 
called his brother— and may resultant misery be my portion,— And 
should I, by voluntary act — retire from membership in this Society — 
I pledge my sacred word of honor— that I will ever hold it in es- 
teem — and keep its secrets inviolate. 



CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN,— We have hearkened unto his 
declarations, and bear witness to his avowals. 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT.— His words are indellibly im- 
pressed on our memories. 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— His solemn promises are re- 
corded in our innermost hearts. 

FATHER-OF-THE-KIRK.— May He who is the mightiest of 
Mighty Chiefs keep him steadfast in his pledges. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— Lift the veil of darkness that obscures the 
vision of our friend, that he may see his surroundings. 
(Sergeant lifts hoodwink from candidate.) 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — In the words of him whose memory we re- 
vere, it is my pleasure to now greet you as: "My lov'd, my honor'd 
much respected friend." Surrounding you in the form of a thistle, 
that meek and lowly, but lov'd, honor'd and much respected emblem 
of old Scotland, are our Brother Clansmen, all staunch and true to the 
principles of our Society. (Holding up a thistle.) How typical is 
this Scottish emblem of the humble birth and rise to world-wide 
fame of Bobby Burns. It's thorny, jagged points reminding us of his 
vicissitudes, his sharpest pangs and "wandering stabs of remorse" 
are here eclipsed by the sweet softness of that beautiful silken floss 
of purple hue, which, like dissolving views, or as the canopy of 
heaven, radiates and brings out in bold relief his better and purer 
nobleness of nature. On the breast of each of our Brother Clansmen 
nestle the thistle and violet in fond embrace, typical of the bonds 
of friendship between Old Scotia and Fair Columbia. May these 
bonds never be torn asunder! 

"Hail Caledonia! Name forever dear, 
Before whose sons you're honor'd to appear." 
And Hail Columbia! whose bounteous gift to thee. 
Is brotherhood of man and sweetest liberty. 
I sincerely congratulate you, my friend, in having thus far at- 
tained such a degree of knowledge as to entitle you to this gude 
blue bonnet of Tam o' Shanter. (Places Tam o' Shanter cap on can- 
didate's head.) Cherish and wear it, not as the crown which rests 
uneasy on the head of king or monarch, but as an honor'd covering 
worn by one who realizes that 

"The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor, 
Is king o' men for a' that," 
and that "princes and lords are but the breath of kings; an honest 
man's the noblest work of God." 

You have now proceeded as far in our mysteries as your present 
state will permit. Our Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark will accompany 
you outside our portals, and when commanded, you will return to 
our Cavern for further tuition, 

(Mighty Chief returns to his station and gives 4 raps **••.) 



VICE CHIEF. — Chieftains, Officers and Clansmen, you will re- 
turn to your respective places and remain standing. (They do so.) 

(The Sergeant marches candidate to base of thistle outline on 
floor, then along the entire outline of thistle to the starting point, 
and thence to the ante-room, the quartette or ensemble singing some- 
thing appropriate. When candidate is out of room and door closed. 
Mighty Chief declares the Cavern at ease.) 

(SECOND PART.) 

Arrange room for Tarn o' Shanter's ride from Ayr through Allo- 
way's haunted kirk-yard, where his mare is halted, and thence over 
the Brig o' Doon. 

At lower end of room place table and three chairs, lighted can- 
dle on table. Hidden from view of candidate have wind machine, 
thunder producer, &c., also Tam's mechanical horse, to be brought 
forth at proper moment. 

At upper end of room place Alloway Kirk scene, with wide 
open doorway, arranged with curtain to drop at proper moment. At 
some convenient distance from the Kirk have the Brig o' Doon. 

A few members dressed as warlocks, ghosts, witches, one repre- 
senting "Nannie" in Cuttysark, another as the deil with dog's head, 
a couple of open coffins, standing on end, with grotesque figure in 
each holding lighted candle or taper. Make effect as weird as pos- 
sible, and have red fire burning while candidate observes perform- 
ance. 

Souter Johnnie (somewhat inebriated) sits at table with land- 
lord of inn, (both smoking long clay pipes, if convenient.) 

At a given signal the candidate is brought from ante-room hood- 
winked and dressed as Tam o' Shanter, and left standing at the table 
with Souter Johnnie and the landlord. 

SOUTER JOHNNIE.— Now Tam, sit ye doon for a wee (assists 
candidate to vacant table, his back to audience, and lifts his hood- 
wink.) We'll tak' anither wee drap o' the nappy afore ye gang hame_ 
Come, landlord, just a doch an' doris for the three of us. 

(Landlord retires and immediately returns with three mugs.) 

SOUTER JOHNNIE.— (Raising cup.)— Here's wishing ye a safe 
journey hame, Tam. 

LANDLORD.— (Raising his cup.)— An' here's hoping ye'll pass 
the Brig o' Doon afore the warlocks get ye. (All drink.) 

SOUTER JOHNNIE.— (Goes over to candidate, lowers his hood- 
wink, assists him to rise and walk a few paces.) It's a wild 
unco' black night. (Sound of thunder and howling wind.) An' "the 
wind blaws as 'twad blaw its last." Wear this around y'r shoulders 
to keep the rain oot. (Places oil cloth around neck and shoulders 
of candidate.) 



10 

LANDLORD.— "Nae man can tether time or tide; 

The hour approaches, Tam maun ride." 
Wait here till I fetch y'r grey mare Meg, Dark as 'tis, she'll find the 
way. (Retires and returns with mechanical mare.) Whoa! Whoat 
Sick a stormy nicht, (more thunder and wind) and mony a lonesome 
lang Scot's mile to gang afore ye meet y'r ain wife Kate. (Assists 
candidate to mount.) 

LANDLORD. — Noo, Tam, ye'r "weel mounted on y'r grey mare 
Meg, and a better never lifted leg." Gude nicht! 

SOUTER JOHNNIE,— Sae lang, Tam, m' auld crony. Keep y'r 
ee peeled as ye draw nigh the kirk. 

(Candidate is then started off at a brisk gallop arcund room, the 
horse being tilted at intervals to make it interesting, though not enough 
to allow him to fall, while the members may hoot and yell and throw 
remarks at him as he passes. After being jolted around room once 
or twice he is halted in front of the open doorway of the haunted 
kirk, where sounds of bagpipes, discordant music and revelry, amid 
howling wind and thunder, are heard. He is then made to sit on 
horse backwards, the horse being turned rear end toward kirk, and 
the candidate is made to grasp a support on the rear of the horse^ 
which causes him to bend slightly forward with his face towards the 
horse's tail. Hoodwink is lifted from candidate's eyes, allowing him 
to view what transpires through the open doorway of the kirk, where 
the warlocks, witches, &c,, are dancing and prancing around in live- 
ly reels, quadrilles, hornpipes, &c,, the deil with dog's head mask 
blowing the bagpipes, and "Nannie," in her cuttysark, being the most 
lively and prominent dancer. At this juncture, the one who manip- 
ulates the mechanical horse (speaking for Tam) yells out: "Weel 
done, Cuttysark." Immediately all cease dancing and playing, yell 
and point with forefinger at Tam, and make as though going for him 
wind and thunder still continuing. "Nannie" pounces through the 
doorway, curtain drops, and lights are turned on, exposing "Nannie" 
with hands outstretched in a clawing, threatening attitude, who 
rushes for Tam, while Tam is galloped around room, and still rid- 
ing backwards, finally comes to the "Brig o' Doon." "Nannie," while 
appearing to pursue Tam at a fast gait, keeps a little distance behind 
the mare until the middle of the bridge is almost reached, when she 
grabs the mare's tail and yanks it out, which automatically dis- 
charges a blank cartridge and at the same time causes a plentiful 
supply of water to be ejected into candidate's face and produces an 
odor that is far from pleasant. At this moment, candidate's hood- 
wink is again lowered, and after going a little distance the horse is 
made to prance and is so tilted as to make candidate fall to floor, 
members seeing that he does not get hurt. He is instructed in a 
whisper to lay quiet, is then placed on a bier and carried to a point 
between the Chief's chair and center of room, and the officers gather 
around bier.) 



11 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— What means this commotion? What has 
happened? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK— At early break of dawn, 
after the terrible storm of yester' night, the return home of Tarn o' 
Shanter's grey mare, "with foaming flanks and champing bit, riderless 
and tailless, led to a search for Tam, which resulted in the discovery 
of this, his body, in the River Doon. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— 

"He "whose blossom buds in guilt, 
Shall to the ground be cast, 
And like the ruthless stubble toss'd 
Before the sweeping blast." 

VICE CHIEF.— 

"O, Tam, hadst thou but been sae wise. 
As ta'en thy ain "wife Kate's advice." 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN.— 

"She tauld thee "weel thou wast a skellum, 
A blethering, blustering, drunken blellum." 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— 
"She prophesy'd that, late or soon. 
Thou would be found deep drown'd in Doon." 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT.— 

"Or cateh'd wi' warlocks in the mirk, 
By AUoway's auld haunted kirk," 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KIRK.— 

"O, Thou, Unknown Almighty Cause 

Of all our hope and fear, 

In whose dread presence even now. 

Poor Tam is summoned to appear; 

Thou giv'st the word, Thy creature man. 

Is to existence brought; 

Again Thou say'st 'ye sons of men. 

Return ye into naught;' 

Thou layest them with all their cares, 

In everlasting sleep, 

As with a flood Thou tak'st them off 

With overwhelming sleep; 

They flourish like the morning flow'r 

In beauty's pride array'd. 

But long ere night, cut down it lies 

All wither'd and decayed." 
(Candidate is then conveyed on bier, accompanied by tolling of 
gong, into ante-room, where his hoodwink is taken off, as well as 
his Tam o' Shanter equipment. He remains there till called for next 
part.) • .' = 



12 
THIRD PART. 
(The Cavern is cleared of all scenery and paraphernalia used in 
second part, and remains as in first part, with the following ex- 
ceptions: On right side of altar is placed the American Flag, and 
on left side the Scottish Flag, the folds of each resting on the open 
book of Burns' writings. When all is ready, Sergeant-of-the-Cuttysark 
goes to candidate in ante-room and escorts him to inner door, giv- 
ing 3 raps, which is answered from within in a similar manner by 
the Captain-of-Bagpipes. The door is opened wide by Captain-of- 
Bagpipes, who says:) 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— Why this disturbance? Is not our 
friend satisfied with what he has already seen and heard of the 
mysteries of our Society? 

SERGEANT-OF-THE-CUTTYSARK— While duly thankful for 
what he has been permitted to see and hear, he still seeks further 
knowledge. 

CAPTAIN-OF-BAGPIPES.— (Turning to Mighty Chief and sa- 
luting:) Mighty Chief, is it your desire that he be allowed to pro- 
ceed further into our mysteries? 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — Clansmen, all, this is a question of grave 
import! I leave it to you. What is the desire of this Cavern? 

All together. — In the immortal name of Bobby Burns, let him 
proceed! 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— My friend, I again bid you a kindly wel- 
come, and may your ears and eyes unerringly aid you to a perpet- 
ual recollection of the aims and objects of our Society. Captain-of- 
Bagpipes, you will allow our friend to proceed. 

(Captain-of-Bagpipes salutes and returns to his seat. 

Sergeant conducts candidate once slowly around room while an 
appropriate march is played on piano or organ, then proceeding 
with him at right angle to base of thistle, and thence to altar. 
Mighty Chief gives 4 raps ••••, All rise.) 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— Chieftain-of-the-Tartan, what do you ob- 
serve? 

(Chieftain-of-the-Tartan descends from his station to the right 
side of altar, and pointing with right hand to the American Flag, 
says:) 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-TARTAN— I observe that glorious, star- 
spangled banner of freedom and liberty, so dear to the hearts of all 
Americans whether by birth or choice. How it thrills our hearts 
with love and patriotism. Each of its stars as it rests in its soft 
background of ethereal blue, like the spaceless firmament on high, 
reminds us that in every state and territory where Old Glory 
waives, there shall be found, as true as those stars and as straight as 
those bars, loyal and staunch member's; ox the Robert Burns Society 



13 

of America, ever standing together, and ready to lay down their 
lives if necessary, for their homes, their families, and the Red, 
White and Blue. 

MIGHTY CHIEF,— And, Chieftain-of-the-Kilt, what do you 
observe? 

(Chieftain-of-the-Kilt, descends from his station to left-hand 
side of the altar, and with his left hand to the Scottish Flag, says:) 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-KILT— I see the beloved flag of Old 
Scotia. How beautiful to look upon! As we glance at its graceful 
folds, we scent the sweet heather of the Highlands far away, and 
in fancy see the "wee, modest, crimson-tipped" daisy lifting its 
"unassuming head in humble guise" o'er the verdant meadows of 
the Lowlands. What pleasant memories it recalls to those of us 
who were born under it, and how it enthuses those of us who can 
trace in the remotest past some sprig of Scottish ancestry! To 
those of us who can neither claim Scottish birth or descent, it is 
loved, honored and recognized as the banner of that country which 
gave to the world that plowman poet whose name shall live through 
all ages. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.- And Chieftain-of-the-Sporran, what do you 
observe? 

(Chieftain-of-the-Sporran descends from his station to altar, and 
pointing to open book of Burns' writings, says:) 

CHIEFTAIN-OF-THE-SPORRAN.— I behold a book of more 
worth than the costliest of gems, of inestimable value to mankind, 
because it contains the writings and songs which have made im- 
perishable the memory of that matchless poet and lyric minstrel, 
the chosen Bard of the Scottish people, and is the very foundation 
stone of our Society. Like those open pages, his life was an open 
book, diffusing to the world with powerful spell and untold charm, 
lessons of love for the beautiful in nature, of forgiveness and char- 
ity for the frailties of humanity, of friendship and help to the 
poor and needy, and disdain for the hypocritical righteous. On 
each side of the book, their graceful folds intermingling as in one 
common, sweet, accord, like hands across the sea, I see the glorious 
banners of Columbia and Caledonia, so typical of the bonds of 
union that shall never be assundered as long as our Society exists, 

(Mighty Chief raps once *, the 3 Chieftains return to their re- 
spective stations, and all are seated with the exception of candidate 
and sergeant who remain standing at the altar. 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— My friend, you have this evening been 
privileged to witness an exemplification of the principles of our 
Society whieh we trust will be of invaluable benefit to you in after 
life. You have almost accomplished the attainment of your desire 
to be one of us, and will now be conducted to our Vice Chief who 
will instruct you in the secret work of this Society, giving you the 
passwords and signs. 

(Sergeant conducts candidate to Vice Chief.) 



14 

VICE CHIEF. — It is with pleasure that I perform this duty. 
Before you can be admitted to onr Cavern after the doors are of- 
ficially closed, you must give 3 distinct raps (***) on the outer 
door, which will be answered from within by 2 raps (**) when the 
Guard-of-the-Portals will open the door sufficiently to receive from 

you in a whisper the permanent pass word, which is 

The Guard-of-the-Portals will then admit you to the ante-room, 
when you will proceed to the inner door and give 2 distinct raps 
(**), which will be answered from within by 1 rap (*) and the 
wicket opened. You will then give your name, the number and 
address of your Cavern, and the semi-annual pass word, which is 

On being admitted into the Cavern you will 

approach the altar at right angles, remaining there until noticed by 
the Mighty Chief, who will raise his hand, thus: (shows candidate) 
when you will give the sign of the Society in this manner: describ- 
ing in the air with both hands, the palms downward, the form or 
outline of a thistle, to which the Mighty Chief will respond by 
simply raising his right forearm, the palm of his hand towards you, 
when you will be seated. As you may be required at any time to 
prove that you are a member in good standing of our Society, you 
should always have with you your official receipt showing that all 
dues, assessments, etc. have been fully paid. Especially will this 
be required when visiting a sister Cavern, and in case a further test 
is desired, you should be prepared to answer the questions asked 
you. If asked whether you are a member of the Robert Burns 
Society of America, whether inside or outside of the Cavern, your 
answer must be a sentence containing the word "TAM." For ex- 
ample, "Yes I'm a TAM," or "Yes, I know something of TAM," or 
"TAM is a friend of mine," or any other sentence which may come 
to your mind containing the word "TAM." You must also remem- 
ber in visiting and being admitted into any associate Cavern of our 
Society where you are not known, to first give the Visitiug Brother's 
Sign, which is done by halting at some distance from and facing 
the altar, remaining there until noticed by the Mighty Chief, when 
you will describe in the air with the right hand, palm downward, 
the figure 3 thus, which you will perceive is one-half of the out- 
line or shape of a thistle. This sign will disclose to the members 
that you are a visiting brother clansman, when the Mighty Chief 
will give 4 raps (•••*) and all will rise and extend to you the wel- 
come sign, both arms outstretched and with open hands, thus: 
(shows candidate.) The Mighty Chief will then rap once (*) when 
all members of that associate Cavern will be seated. You will then 
march direct to the altar and give the regular sign of the Society as 
you would do in your own Cavern and as already explained. The 
saluting sign when about to address the Mighty Chief while the 
Cavern is in session, is made by raising the right hand with the 
four fingers extended like the prongs of a thistle, and the thumb 
turned inwards, in this manner: (shows candidate) bringing the tip 
pf the forefinger to the right side of the forehead. 



15 

Before leaving the Cavern while in session, you must first ask 
the Mighty Chief it you may retire, and upon receiving his permis- 
sion, approach the altar in the usual manner and give the usual sign 
of the Society as already described. One Brother Clansman of our 
Society may accost another with the hailing words "Hello Tam," 
The emblem of our Society is a hand holding a horse's tail by the 
stump end, this design being in the center of a circle on the lower 
part of a thistle outline, and the end of the tail extending a little 
below said circle, with the words "Remember Tam o' Shanter's Mare" 
around the said circle; while across the top part of the thistle outline 
are the initials "R. B. S. A. "meaning "Robert Burns Society of Amer- 
ica," and under such initials the date "Jan. 25," designating the anni- 
versary of Burns' birth. No one not a duly qualified member of our 
Society will be permitted to wear this emblem, whether in form of 
button, badge, pin, charm, ring or any other form. You will now 
be returned to the Mighty Chief, who will conferupon you the mem- 
bership of this Society. 

(Sergeant conducts candidate to Mighty Chief.) 

MIGHTY CHIEF. — I congratulate you upon having made such 
advancement. You have learned that our Society is founded in 
commemoration of him whose poetic achievements have endeared 
him to not only those of Scottish nativity and extract, but also among 
the peoples of all nations where the English language is spoken or 
understood. It is the purpose of this Society to keep alive and ex- 
pand that sentiment. Robert Burns was born on the Twenty-Fifth 
of January, in the year of our Lord, 1759, in a lowly cottage situated 
a short distance from and between the Scottish town of Ayr and the 
old Alloway Kirk near the banks of the "Bonnie Doon." Your 
memorable canter this evening from "Auld Ayr, whom ne'er a town 
surpasses, for honest men and bonnie lasses," through Alloway kirk 
yard to the Brig o' Doon, which was really an admirable fete of 
equestrianism on your part, will serve to bring to your mind the 
locality of Burns' birth-place, at the same time forcibly reminding 
you of his warning to "Remember Tam o' Shanter's Mare." It is the 
duty of every member of our Society to remember the 25th day of 
January as a day of rejoicing and a day to commemorate. Year by 
year it is becoming more the custom to commemorate this day by 
some form of entertainment, and if at all possible, without injury to 
yourself or others, you should consider it your duty to attend any 
banquet, entertainment or gathering that may be given or take place 
under the auspices of our Society, in any locality in which you may 
be on the 25th of January. It must also be your duty to speak a good 
word for our Society whenever opportunity offers, and to lend your 
help in securing desirable new members who possess the necessary 
qualifications. With these objects in view, I present you with a 
copy of our By-Laws and a form of application. If more are needed 
you can procure same from our Keeper-of- Archives. And now, after 
giving you these final words of advice, I have the honor of confer- 
ing upon you the membership of our Society, 



16 

(Father- of -the- Kirk approaches and with outstretched arms and 
hands over head of candidate, says:) 

FATHER-OF-THE-KIRK.— "Be bles't with health, and peace, 
and sweet content." (Returns to his station.) 

(Mighty Chief gives four raps **** — all rise — candidate is turned 
face to audience.) 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— Chieftains, Ofificers and Clansmen, I now de- 
clare Mr. a duly elected and fully 

qualified member of TAM O' SHANTER CAVERN, NO , of 

the ROBERT BURNS SOCIETY OF AMERICA. Extend to him 
the welcome sign. (All give the welcome sign — arms outstretched 
with open hands.) To enable all to further congratulate our newly 
made brother, I declare this Cavern at ease. Clansmen, all, in the 
name of our beloved Bobby Burns, extend to him the hand of fellow- 
ship and welcome. 

(After sufficient time has been allowed for extending congratu- 
lations to the new member, the Mighty Chief raps for order, and 
then proceeds with the regular order of business. (See page 2 .) 



CLOSING 

MIGHTY CHIEF.— (Raps once *.)- We are now about to sepa- 
rate and follow the various paths of our every-day lives. In re- 
turning to our respective walks and intermingling with those of the 
outside world, let us bear in mind the principles of our Society, 
exercising that charitable sentiment and that love for Common Hu- 
manity that are taught in Burns' writings. Our regular meeting 

nights are , and our next 

meeting will be held on evening, the 

of , (4 raps **••, all rise.) Clans- 
men, as a fitting close to our deliberations of this evening, and a 
parting remembrance of our own Bobby Burns, let us join voices and 
hands, singing "Auld Lang Syne." (All sing, accompanied by piano 
or organ if possible.) I now declare this session of Tam o' Shanter 

Cavern, No. , of the Burns Society of America duly closed. 

(1 rap •.) 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



*M H im 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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014 389 495 2 # 



